Chief Walkara

(Chief Walker, Wakarum)

—1810 ca. - - - - January 29, 1855 —

By Bill Kirchner, June 16, 2014

1. Chief Walkara Marker

Inscription. Walkara, Ute Indian chieftan, was one of the principal Indian chiefs when the Mormons first entered this area in 1848. Feared from California to New Mexico, he was a remarkably sly chief, daring horse thief, savage slave trader, furious enemy, admirable friend, and unprincipled lover. He became a war chief unrivaled in his ability to lead his band with cunning, power and fierceness.
His name refers to yellow buckskin. Nicknamed the "Hawk of the Mountains" and "Napoleon of the Desert" he was an opportunist in the changing of the west. He was more notorious than great, more bandit than chief. Without question, white and Indian alike, he was the West's greatest horse thief, stealing over 1000 horses on one raid alone. His horse stealing adventures are legendary.
The ill-fated "Walker War" began in July 1853 and lasted until May 1854. Every Mormon settlement was transformed into an armed fort. The final cost was upward of $200,000 and many lives. Peace was concluded after a mile-long peace train under Brigham Young met the aging warrior on Chicken Creek (Levan).
Born on the banks of the Pequinarynoquint (Stinking) River in Utah County, Walkara was buried in a seplechre of stone on the rugged eastern hillside above this little community of Meadow. His grave was located up Dry Canyon, the first canyon north of Corn Creek.

By Bill Kirchner, June 16, 2014

2. Chief Walkara Marker

On the day of burial two of his squaws and some Paiute children were offered up as sacrifice. Besides his weapons, trinkets, presents, the two squaws and two girls, a young boy was fastened alive to the pedestal beside Walkara's body. It is presumed the grave was robbed by whites in 1909. It is interesting that another famous chief and brother, Kanosh was buried just a short distance from here.

Erected 1973 by Millard Jr. and Sr. High School.

Location. 38° 53.547′ N, 112° 24.691′ W. Marker is in Meadow, Utah, in Millard County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street and Interstate 15, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Touch for map. Back of monument is visible from North Main Street. You will have to enter the Chevron parking lot to view the marker. Marker is in this post office area: Meadow UT 84644, United States of America.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on July 20, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 20, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.